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Campbell council updates beekeeping rules, limits hives by lot size and eases setback requirements
Summary
After extensive public comment from 4‑H members, beekeepers and residents, the Campbell City Council introduced and waived further reading of an ordinance (file PLN‑2025‑148) to modernize chapter 7.28 of the municipal code, replacing near‑prohibitive setbacks with smaller limits and lot‑size‑based hive allowances.
The Campbell City Council on March 3 introduced an ordinance amending Campbell Municipal Code section 7.04.010 and chapter 7.28 to modernize local beekeeping rules and align the code with regional best practices.
Planner Steven Rose told the council the city’s 2014 code had become effectively prohibitive — by one measure requiring hives to stand 1,000 feet from residences — and staff proposed replacing that approach with smaller setbacks, registration aligned with state law and a limit of one hive per property with an additional hive allowed for every 5,000 square feet of lot area. Rose said properties with flight‑dispersing barriers (for example, fences) would follow the standard setbacks; unsecured lots would require larger buffers. He described enforcement as complaint driven and said the ordinance grants staff authority to inspect properties to verify compliance.
The proposal drew broad public support from local beekeepers and a Rolling Hills 4‑H beekeeping group. Karen Puit, an adult leader in the 4‑H project, thanked the city for updating the code and said the group aims to “inspire our students to grow up to become the next generation of backyard beekeepers.” Alisa Sakus, another adult leader, brought three students to address the council; one student said, “One‑third of the world’s food supply depends on honey bees,” and another described Varroa mite impacts and the difference between commercial and backyard hive stresses.
Some residents urged safety precautions. Steve Sunders said he is “afraid of bees” and urged neighbor notification and safeguards to avoid placing hives adjacent to susceptible residents; staff and council discussed setbacks, fencing as a flight‑dispersing barrier and signage requirements.
Council members emphasized the ordinance was the result of community outreach and staff coordination with the Santa Clara County Beekeepers Guild and UC Cooperative Extension. The council moved, seconded and voted to introduce the ordinance and waive further reading; the motion carried by roll call.
The ordinance is listed as file PLN‑2025‑148; staff said registration and other requirements that mirror state rules will remain in effect and that additional implementation details and a best‑practices guide will be posted on the city website.
The council’s action advanced the ordinance for final adoption steps; staff said follow‑up will include records of registrations at the county level and complaint‑driven inspections as needed.
